Rhamma hybla (Druce, 1907)

Prieto, Carlos & Vargas, Maria A., 2016, Elfin butterflies of the genus Rhamma Johnson (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae): A review of the Colombian species, Zootaxa 4093 (3), pp. 323-342 : 332-334

Rhamma hybla (Druce, 1907)

( Figures 1, 2 , 30 , 42 , 51 , 69 )

Thecla hybla Druce, 1907: 578 , pl. 33, fig. 4; Johnson 1992: 142, fig. 153. Holotype examined.

Rhamma emeraldina Salazar & Johnson, 1997: 3 , photoplate IX, D, deposited in FSCA. Image of the holotype examined.

Type material. Holotype male, Ecuador, Hewitson Coll. 79-60, Thecla, B.M. Type No. Rh. 603., Genitalia by K. Johnson IX 1983, Hybla , male symbol, type H. H Druce. Deposited in BMNH.

Taxonomic history and remarks. We were able to examine topotypical specimens of R. emeraldina Salazar & Johnson, 1997 , and all diagnostic features discussed in the original description of this species fall within the range of variation of R. hybla . In Johnson et al. (1997), the authors illustrate a specimen from Bolivia identified as R. cassidyi (IX, E), however, based in our current knowledge of the group, this specimen is a male of R. hybla .

Distribution and variability. This is the largest species of the genus. We have found it in several localities of the central cordillera in Antioquia where it is relatively abundant and with little morphological variation.

Diagnosis. Males and females are immediately distinguished from all other Rhamma by their large size (Forewing length> 14 mm), green color and inconspicuous scent brand on the dorsal surface. Material examined (18♂, 1♀). ANTIOQUIA: 8♂, CP: Bélmira, Páramo de Bélmira, 3200 m, 05/01/2014, 01/08/2015, C. Prieto; 9♂, CP: 1♀, Yarumal, La Marconia, 2700 m, 28/07/2015; 1♂, CP: El retiro, San Sebastian, 2800 m, 18/08/2007.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 10. Adults depicted in dorsal (left) and ventral (right) aspect: 1. Rhamma hybla male (Antioquia); 2. Rhamma hybla female (Antioquia); 3. Rhamma adunca male (Cauca); 4. Rhamma adunca female (Cauca); 5. Rhamma adunca male (Belmira, Antioquia); 6. Rhamma adunca female (Cauca); 7. Rhamma arria male (Valle); 8. Rhamma arria female (Valle); 9. Rhamma livida male (Cauca); 10. Rhamma livida female (Cauca).

FIGURES 30 – 35. Male genitalia armatures in lateral (left) and ventral (right) views: 30. Rhamma hybla; 31. Rhamma adunca; 32. Rhamma arria; 33. Rhamma livida (arrows point a., vinculum strut strongly developed and b., vinculum forming a 90 degree angle); 34. Rhamma oxida; 35. Rhamma comstocki.

FIGURES 42 – 50. Female genitalia (ductus bursae and bursa copulatrix): 42. Rhamma hybla (arrows point a., strongly developed lamella postvaginalis, terminating in serrate configurations b., ductus bursae lightly sclerotized in the middle so that it appears to be transparent and c., dendritic, fan shaped signa) 43. Rhamma adunca; 44. Rhamma arria; 45. Rhamma livida; 46. Rhamma oxida; 47. Rhamma comstocki; 48. Rhamma shapiroi; 49. Rhamma bilix; 50. Rhamma anosma.

FIGURES 51 – 62. Androconial brands (arrows point the scent pad): 51. Rhamma hybla; 52. Rhamma adunca; 53. Rhamma arria; 54. Rhamma livida; 55. Rhamma oxida; 56. Rhamma comstocki; 57. Rhamma shapiroi; 58. Rhamma mishma; 59. Rhamma bilix; 60. Rhamma anosma; 61. Rhamma familiaris; 62. Rhamma commodus.

FIGURES 67 – 70. Distributional maps of Colombian Rhamma. 67. Rhamma commodus, Rhamma familiaris; 68. Rhamma comstocki; 69. Rhamma hybla; 70. Rhamma livida.